Contents

Launch and introductory mission info

Mars Global Surveyor Artist's concept

Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) was launched in 1996 with a successful Mars Orbit Insertion in September, 1997. As of January 2008, the spacecraft remains active and continues to orbit Mars. (See also: mars.jpl.nasa.gov)

Science goals of the mission

The primary science goals of MGS are to determine whether life ever existed on Mars, to characterize the climate of Mars, to characterize the geology of Mars, and to prepare for human exploration. The instruments onboard the spacecraft are designed to help achieve these goals.